PERRY'S ORATION ON 

THE 

AMERICAN 

FLAG 

DELIVERED NOV. 29th, 1917 
AT SHOSHONI, WYOMING 




PRICE, FIFTY CENTS 



THE ROYCROFTERS 

EAST AURORA, NEW YORK 

19 18 




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I AN ORATION DELIVERED | 

I '' I 

I I REV. GEORGE PERRY j 

IN SHOSHONI, WYOMING j 

i 1 NOVEMBER 29th j 

1917 II 



Price, Fifty Cents 



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Printed By | 

The Roycbofters, East Aurora, N.Y. s 

1918 



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Copyright, 1918, By Rev. George Perry. 




Have You Read Perry's 
Oration on the American Flag 

Delivered November 29, 1917 
Shoshoni, Wyoming 

HERE stands in bas-relief a day, spent in 
visiting the historic spots of Richmond. One 
incident particularly is recalled with peculiar 
signiiBcance at this crisis in our world affairs. 
Reverently sitting in the cathedral-twilight of 
old St. John's church, in the very pew where 
Patrick Henry stood when he delivered his 
famous speech before the second Virginia 
convention, March 20, 1775, 1 closed my eyes, 
picturing the scene as it must have appeared that day so long ago, 
^ There were all the great men of the day, including George Wash- 
ington, Jefferson and many others, some of whom had traveled long 
distances to be present, filling the pews to overflowing, even to the 
window ledges outside, and in their midst an orator delivered him- 
self of words of fire, even as did St. Paul at Athens of old. 
Suddenly a voice broke my reverie and the stillness of the church. 
It was our old guide repeating the words Patrick Henry uttered a 
century and a half ago, quietly and deliberately at first, but as he 
neared the end of the speech, even the immortal Henry himself, 
could he have heard, need not have been ashamed of the humble old 
orator who, as he progressed,* bedame more earnest and impressive: 
^"The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it 
come! It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry. 
Peace! Peace! But there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The 
gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of 
resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field? Why stand we 
here idle — is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the 
price of chains and slavery.? Forbid it. Almighty God ! I know not 
what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or 

give me death! " ,<=>> 

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In these modern times, are we not impressed with the spirit of 
sacrifice, found in these great leaders and statesmen? Generally 
speaking, sacrifice means that which is devoted, surrendered, pre- 
sented, or abandoned for the good or welfare of another. A grain of 
corn placed in the ground is sacrificed for the nourishment of human- 
ity, and the flower-seed sacrifices itself to bring beauty and fragrance 
to the world. 

Man must sacrifice himself for the help and comfort of other men, and 
for succeeding generations. The toiler in mill or mine, the worker in 
shop, store or office, the inventor, philanthropist, physician, the brain 
worker, and all men engaged in any honest endeavor are sacrificing 
their time, energy, and talents that others may enjoy the results of 
their labors. While man is making a sacrifice for the benefit of others 
he is also receiving benefits for himself, and realizes the satisfaction 
that comes from deeds accomplished, and victories won. 
The highest and most noble example of moral sacrifice, in this day, is 
the soldier who leaves a comfortable home, kind friends, pleasant 
companions, and enters a conflict that requires all his physical and 
mental energies. He knows of the hardship and dangers ahead, and 
yet, unconsciously, he is making a sacrifice that others may enjoy 
liberty, peace and the pursuit of happiness. 

In these stirring times, which demand so much from our loyalty, 
and patriotism, and when the display of the National Emblem 
should inspire not only cheering, but also reverence and respect for 
that for which it stands, a discussion of how the eagle became our 
nation's symbol seems especially fitting. It is probable that few have 
ever given a thought as to why the eagle was adopted as our 
national bird. It is in no way particularly significant of America, 
and is not purely an American bird. 

The subject was given considerable thought by our forefathers and 
soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John 
Hancock was placed at the head of a committee whose attention was 
turned to creating a national flag or seal. When this committee re- 
ported to Congress, none of the designs submitted seemed suitable 
to that body, although Jefferson had worked out a shield, containing 
something symbolical of all the peoples that entered into the making 
of America; the Government represented as a herculean figure with 
a giant club, standing between Vice and Virtue, was John Adams' 
idea: Franklin had created a seal, using the story of Pharaoh pur- 
suing the Hebrews into the Red Sea. 

5 



The committee dispersed. In the ensuing years five distinct groups of 
men submitted over forty suggestions. In June of the year 1782 
Congress finally approved of the eagle design: the eagle with the 
olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. When Franklin 
heard of this he was much displeased and could not approve of a bird 
which he knew from his observations to be a rascal among the deni- 
zens of the upper air; affirming that he was a lazy bird and a great 
bully, none of which was at all characteristic of the new govern- 
ment *•» **» 

Considering the ability and influence of Franklin, it is surprising that 
the eagle was ever adopted at all, but in these Twentieth-Century 
times it is hardly possible to conceive of any more fitting symbol, 
than the American eagle soaring forth to lead triumphant Allied 
troops to a deserved victory over German autocracy. On June 14, 
1777, Congress enacted that the stripes should be reduced perma- 
nently to thirteen, and that a star should be added for each new State 
admitted. The new flag was flown over the House of Representa- 
tives April 13, 1818, but to-day our beautiful emblem is conspicuous 
in every land, and is known everywhere. 

In the present war the Stars and Stripes stand for freedom of the seas, 
observance of international war, and the right of American citizens to 
travel in foreign lands, in the peaceful pursuit of profit or pleasure, 
unmolested in person or property. Our flag also stands for justice, 
civilization, and the laws of humanity : for the preservation of democ- 
racy against autocracy, and in defense of the rights of weaker nations 
against unjust aggression and invasion. 

It represents a government that believes treaties and agreements mean 
more than a '* mere scrap of paper," and that it will hold to strict 
accountability any overt act or violation of its rights. It stands back 
of a united patriotic people who prefer peace, but are prepared for war 
in defense of the principles upon which this country was founded, 
fought for and perpetuated. It has stood in the past, as it will in the 
future, that the strength of a nation is the strength of virtue and piety. 
^ It demands that our citizens, wherever they may go, shall enjoy the 
same protection and privileges that aliens of other nations are 
accorded here. It insists upon the right of our ships to sail the seas, 
unrestricted except by the usages of international law, requiring 
visit, search, and absolute safeguarding of life of passengers and crew, 
before seizure or destruction, if such is warranted. Our star-spangled 
banner, true to its glorious traditions of the past, is again unfurled 
6 



in battle in freedom's cause, and calls us to the colors, in defense of 
home and country, and the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness; so 
that in the words of the immortal Lincoln: "Government of the 
people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the 
earth." *•» &o» 

Now that war is actually upon us, let us all show our true patriotism. 
There is something for each one to do, whether man, woman or child. 
Not every one can go to the front. If you can, go gladly and quickly. 
Let every person wear a tiny flag and display a large one at his 
residence, if possible. We, as a nation, need the attitude of loyalty 
and patriotism, " As a man thinketh, so is he." Don't be the last 
person to rise when the National Anthem is sung. Don't wait for a 
policeman to ask you to remove your hat at sight of " Old Glory." 
^ There should be a flag of our country in every home. It should be 
considered as necessary to the welfare of the family as the Bible, The 
two are indissolubly connected in our history. There are many lessons 
which can be taught the children in the home in which the Flag has a 
prominent part. Parents should not leave the teaching of patriotism 
to teachers alone. Forestall the teacher in this duty and the children 
will be doubly benefited. The occasions of state and national holidays 
afford excellent opportunities for such instruction. Have a place where 
the home flag can be conspicuously displayed and be sure each child 
knows why the day is celebrated. 

The significance of bars, stars, field and colors will prove interesting 
topics. Teach the salute and along with this give instructions in the 
proper deportment in public places where the national anthem is 
rendered. You owe this duty to your children; you owe it to the re- 
public in which you live. Character-building is more important than 
money-making. A reverence for the flag and the institutions it 
represents is heritage of more worth than great riches. Three hundred 
years ago a little ship crossed the Atlantic, the Mayflaiver. People 
would not venture to cross the Atlantic in such a tub to-day. You 
could have swung it upon the deck of one of the great steamers of to- 
day without having appreciably added to the freight. That little 
ship carried in its hold a company of men and women who had left 
home and fatherland for Jesus' name, carried moral force enough to 
lay the foundation of the mightiest republic the world has ever seen. 
I ask the question: Shall it be overthrown? Some may say, " It 's 
only a matter of sentiment." Nay, friends, go with me to the Hall of 
Flags in Boston. Look at those battle-torn and tattered. Think of the 

7 



men who carried those flags and who fought for them and tell me, if 
you can, that it is only sentiment. Teach the children — even the 
smallest — ^^to love the flag and to wear it. The first and last text-book 
in a republic should be citizenship. See to it, teachers of our public 
schools, that our youths are taught the duties, obligations and 
opportunities of citizenship, if they are not taught so much about 
business affairs; these will come soon enough. 

James W. Gerard, our late Ambassador to the German Imperial 
Court, has said: " People of other countries have been wondering why 
it is that the German government is able so easily to impose its will 
upon the German people. I have told by what means the control of 
the army is kept in the hands of the class of nobles. These are not 
the only means by which the system controls the country. These 
alone would not sufiice. From the time he is four years old, the 
German is disciplined and taught that his government is the only 
good and efiPective form. The teachers in the schools are all govern- 
ment-paid, and teach the children only the principles desired by the 
rulers of the German people. There are no Saturday holidays in the 
German schools, and their summer holidays are for only three to five 
weeks. You never see gangs of small boys in Germany. Their games 
and their walks are superintended by their teachers, who are always 
inculcating in them reverence and awe for the military heroes of the 
past and present. On Saturday night the German boy is turned over 
by the state-paid school-teacher to the state-paid pastor, who adds 
divine authority to the principles of reverence for the German 
system." «•► s^ 

THE very atmosphere that an American boy breathes is preg- 
nant with industrial ambition and impulses. Every American 
child should know that he or she lives under the best government 
system in the world; that politically this nation is breaking away 
from European systems, with the establishment of a new order of 
things under new systems; that pure and impartial liberty, based 
upon the eternal and God-given rights of all men, is a flower of 
American growth and cultivation. 

And when you swing away from American ports for foreign lands you 
come under the influence of systems of government where men are 
not regarded as political equals, and where the rights of man as man 
are more or less curtailed or denied. The basis of our system is that, 
politically, all men are equals. This system is popular in form, from 
8 



the chief executive down to the most subordinate office in the smallest 
local community : all power emanates from the people and every 
public servant is accountable to the people, for the proper exercise of 
the measure of power entrusted to his keeping. 

Our nation, founded in heroic patriotism, retained in that marvelous 
constitution but one provision suggested by expediency instead of 
principle, and seventy years later it came near costing us the total 
disruption of our national life. The war settled some things for all 
time — Freedom forever and everywhere on American soil; that this 
land shall always be " the land of the free " as it has always been 
" the home of the brave "; that this is not a confederacy of jealous, 
jeering, petty communities, but in fact as well as in form, a nation, in 
a civilized age among the civilized nations of the earth. 
That the American mind w411 tolerate almost any political heresy 
short of treason to the idea that we are an indestructible nation; but 
that the slightest assault upon that principle, the first attack upon 
that flag, so beautifully typifies this national idea that it will summon 
from American work-shops, American farms, and American firesides 
a convocation of freemen that no human power on earth can success- 
fully withstand. 

And in these serried ranks would be seen here and there an old 
scarred veteran, who in his boyhood days had marched against that 
flag in duty's sacred name. Coming up with his wasted form and 
tottering frame, we can hear him saying with the illustrious Webster, 
when swelling with pride in the greatness and glory of his native land, 
"I was born an American, I live an American,! shall die an American." 
^ Under the Stars and Stripes people may, if they are wise enough 
and honest enough and virtuous enough, live together and prosper 
under one nationality, down history and the ages, or until the end of 
time. If the Constitution was worthy to be idealized and venerated in 
the time of Washington and Jefferson, how much more should it be 
cherished and appreciated now? Young men of my own generation, 
can we ever forget, or become faithless to the priceless legacy of 
liberty and blessing that has been preserved to us by the heroism of 
these men and women before us, and by the thousands of their com- 
panions whose hallowed graves are dotted over every State in this 
broad Union, making sacred and consecrated forever, every foot of 
American soil.'' 

I would have every American mother take her child upon her knee and 
recite the names and deeds of American heroism in war and peace, 

9 



until the young cheek shall burn, and the young heart swell with love 
of our native land. I would have every college, and every public 
school a school of patriotism and statesmanship, every American boy 
a little prince, and every citizen a king and queen. I would per- 
petuate all that is best and noblest in our American institutions, 
until the proudest boast of civilized men shall be " I am an American 
citizen." 5o» 5*» 

In the several great wars in which the United States has been engaged 
since the Declaration of Independence, a suitable slogan that has 
expressed the feeling of the American people has always been origin- 
ated. In Adams's administration, when we were having trouble with 
France, the slogan " Millions for defense, but not one cent for trib- 
ute " was the watchword of this country. 

During the War of 1812, Perry's famous words, " We have met the 
enemy and they are ours," found their way into the hearts of the 
American people. Another famous slogan, " You may fire when ready, 
Gridley," was expressed by Dewey at the battle of Manila Bay, 
during the Spanish-American war. During the present struggle, the 
War of 1917, Admiral Sims surprised England by saying, " We can 
begin at once." The American " Sammies " who recently landed in 
France have already invented a slogan that expresses the feeling of 
the whole American people, " Can the Kaiser." These slogans will go 
down in history, along with others that Yankee wit can be expected 
to originate. 

WAR has had a weird and mysterious part in the development of 
the humcin race; by it tyrants have enlarged and maintained 
their kingdoms, and by it they have been overthro^Ti s^ By it 
brave men have defended their altars and their firesides. It has been 
the ally of avarice and sin; but it has likewise been freedom's strong 
defender. One by one the principles of human liberty, under the 
benign protection of which we are living to-day as a free people, have 
sprung as if by magic from soil drenched with patriotic blood. 
Marathon, Thermopylae, Runnymede, Waterloo, Concord, Lexing- 
ton, Yorktown, Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Champion Hill, 
Winchester, Missionary Ridge, Shiloh, and Appomattox: the history 
of political progress — aye, the reclamation of mankind from a con-* 
dition of barbarism to that of civilization — cannot be written without 
using these imperishable names. 

The philosopher and philanthropist look forward to a day, which we 
10 



trust may be near at hand, *' when the nations shall learn war no 
more." But the students of history cannot fail to discover that the 
liberties that we now enjoy have one after another been vindicated at 
the point of the bayonet and the sword. Periods of national peace are 
in danger of becoming periods of moral stagnation. The average 
citizen will endure much of misrule before he will assert himself for 
the public good. Patriotism is the only safeguard of a free people; 
a republic poor in patriotism would be poor indeed. When I consider 
that the world has thus far learned its greatest lessons of heroism and 
patriotism from the battlefield; when I consider also that the prac- 
tise of war, except in self-defense, or in defense of a righteous principle, 
is not compatible with morality nor with the highest condition of 
civilization, I ask, how are the altars of patriotism to be kept aflame 
in a great republic in time of protracted peace, and in a time when 
the ambitions and labors of a people are given over to the material 
conquest of the world.'* Manifestly by educating every citizen on the 
genius and principles of our institutions and what they have cost s» 
Are we determined to make whatever sacrifice is necessary that that 
flag shall still be emblematic of the institutions which it represents 
to-day, and of the fundamental principles underlying the rights and 
privileges enjoyed by the American people, that they may be extended 
to other peoples who too need them, that, they, too, may rise above 
their present state? 

What the monument really stands for is best told in the words of 
Daniel Webster himself. After addressing himself to the Marquis 
deLafayette, in appreciation of his presence, Mr. Webster said: 
" But our object is, by this edifice, to show our deep sense of the value 
and importance of the achievements of our ancestors; and by pre- 
senting this work of gratitude to the eye, to keep alive similar senti- 
ments, and to foster a constant regard for the principles of the 
Revolution. Human beings are composed not of reason only, but of 
imagination also and sentiment; and that is neither wasted nor 
misplaced which is appropriated to the purpose of giving right 
direction to sentiments, and opening proper springs of feeling in the 
heart. We wish that this column, rising toward heaven among the 
pointed spires of so many temples dedicated to God, may contribute 
also to produce, in all minds, a pious feeling of dependence and 
gratitude. Let our conceptions be enlarged to the circle of our duties. 
Let us extend our ideas over the whole of the vast field in which we are 
called to act. Let our object be, our country, our whole country, and 

11 



nothing but our country. And by the blessing of God may that country 
itself become a vast and splendid monument, not of oppression and 
terror, but of wisdom, of peace, and liberty, upon which the whole 
world may gaze with admiration forever." 

There are many laws and commandments which we are bound to 
obey, and one of the greatest of these commandments is " Honor the 
Flag." You may ask, why must we honor the flag.'' It is only a piece 
of cloth made of red, white, and blue. This is true, but did you ever 
stop to consider what it means, or to think that it has a history. It 
means liberty. Its history is of exceeding interest and brings to us a 
throng of sacred and thrilling associations. Consider what we owe to 
the people who fought to win this liberty. They were men who had 
taken their lives in their hands, set aside all their possessions for the 
" doctrine of liberty." To gain liberty, valiant young people rose up 
against an old tyranny, to establish the most influential political 
doctrine the world has ever known. 

Throughout the country millions of men, old and young, are to-day 
wearing the flag. They w^ear it as an expression of loyalty and devotion 
to country. Many of them have deep appreciation of the institutions 
which it represents, of the fundamental principles underlying the 
rights and privileges which they enjoy. Yet, some of them wear it 
superficially. To such were recently addressed words necessitating 
sober thought. In a speech in Madison Square Garden, New York, 
an aged veteran of the Civil War said: " The man who wears the flag 
to-day has consecrated to it his life, his property. If he has not, he 
has no business to wear it." Have all who wear the flag to-day sol- 
emnly resolved to defend what it stands for, with life and property.'* 
^ There is a strong and valid objection to using the flag as a trade- 
mark in business, or for advertising purposes. It is neither necessary 
nor good taste. It cheapens regard and destroys sentiment. At the 
theaters, advantage is being taken more and more of these fine 
sentiments to get a hand for a poor act, by introducing at the critical 
moment the flag, or a few bars of the national anthem. This brings the 
audience to its feet and carries the sketch that would otherwise die a 
natural death. It is simply commercializing the flag and making 
patriotic sentiment serve a selfish purpose. Everybody sees the trick, 
but few have the courage to object to it. We read that hotels and 
restaurants in large cities, including those in the national capital, 
'* exclude from patronage, whenever possible, men in the uniform of 
an American soldier or sailor." 
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They mean no offense to the uniform, yet do not respect it suflS- 
ciently to permit its wearers to become guests and patrons, though 
divested of the uniform they serve them as they do other guests. 
They seem to have an idea that the uniform is distasteful to the 
public because rendering the wearers conspicuous. 

BUT who should be more conspicuous than the men who stand 
ready to sacrifice their Uves, if need be, to protect not only 
these hotels and restaurants, but lives and property of American 
citizens everywhere? And what better insignia of loyalty and 
patriotism than the uniform which the defenders of this country are 
required to wear? Answering these questions as they should be 
answered, men wearing American uniforms will be made welcome, 
where to-day they are in some cases ostracized. The uniform 
deserves all the respect that may be given it. 

There is something peculiarly thrilling and impressive in the spectacle 
of an assemblage, standing bareheaded and reverent when the 
national anthem is played, and the Stars and Stripes waved. Our in- 
most feelings are touched and our sacred obligations to country and 
home are brought solemnly to mind. These deep and patriotic senti- 
ments should not be lightly trifled with, nor should they be subjected 
to the whim or call of every self-seeker who chooses to make capital 
out of them. If you have land, much or little, plant it with the spirit 
of patriotism to vegetables and food products. It is patriotic senti- 
ment and duty. " Hats off to the Flag! " 

The United States is at war with Germany. That means that every 
person, whether native or foreign born, who claims the protection of 
the American Flag, is at war with Germany. War is more than fighting. 
War is service. War is sacrifice. War is the elimination of self. War is 
country first and the individual last. This war will directly or in- 
directly affect every person living in the United States. This war will 
not be won unless every person does his or her part, gives his or her 
services, makes his or her sacrifice, places self behind the need of the 
nation s» o«. 

The flag means freedom for us all, but the flag, in time of war, does 
not mean freedom of action for the individual. The flag means re- 
straint, cooperation, obedient recognition of authority, preservation 
of law and order. Most of all it means economy. It means loyalty in 
little daily things as well as loyalty to the great principles of our 
government. It means the conduct of our lives so that nation may be 

13 



hourly strengthened. It means the giving of our best effort for the 
universal good. It means careful living. It means stopping of waste. 
It means the uttermost use of our resources, our abilities and our 
strength for the Great Cause. It means guarding our talk and avoid- 
ing useless discussion. It means that the United States is first, para- 
mount, supreme, and that the want or pleasure or action of each 
individual must be subordinated to that fact. Three cheers for the 
Red, White and Blue! 

Whatever the original cause of this world-war, its present issue is 
Democracy vs. Autocracy. The London Daily Chronicle truly said the 
cause which precipitated the conflict " was not worth the bones of a 
single soldier," but the issues now involved are worth life itself to 
every man, woman and child. This world-war jeopardizes human 
rights, should victory rest with autocracy. Autocracy is government 
of, for, and by class. It looks to the perpetuity of ruling families at 
whatever cost to the governed people. It is founded wholly on the 
principle that " might makes right," therefore holds sacred no word 
or pledge that becomes inimical to its purpose. Autocracy is the 
antithesis of democracy which Abraham Lincoln defined as govern- 
ment of, for, and by the people. Next to divine right come human 
rights, one of which is self-government. Democracy is the world 
issue to-day. 

Democracy means equal rights, and equal protection in the enjoy- 
ment of common rights and privileges. It means equal opportunity 
not only in self-government but for self -advancement — ^for the pros- 
ecution of all legitimate aims and purposes. It means freedom of 
thought, speech and action, with due consideration of the rights of 
others, and security of person and property from the aggression of 
individuals or nations, because based on the fundamental principle 
that " all men are created free and equal. "Now equal rights imply 
equal obligations, and obligations are threefold — to self, to society, 
and to government, or nation as a political organization. The in- 
dividual citizen must compel, if necessary, respect for his personal 
rights; he must join in the protection of community rights; he must 
defend national rights whenever endangered — ^for when government 
created of, for and by the people, cannot minister to the people, the 
rights of the people are destroyed. 

In a democracy especially, popular government is the keystone of the 
arch of civic and political rights; and when it falls the arch collapses. 
Obligation is discharged in many ways. In proportion to their ability 
14 



all citizens pay taxes. As selected by their fellows all citizens serve as 
jurors. When elected they fill the offices of government, etc. They 
must do all these things to have popular government and free in- 
stitutions. In like manner they must aid their country in war. From 
this conclusion there can be no dissent. Democracy cannot be divorced 
from universal obligation to military and naval service, and to do 
whatever else may be deemed necessary for public good. 
All this is simply elemental but necessary for full conception of and 
proper emphasis to, the deduction now made: in a democracy there 
should be no call for volunteer service in either the army or navy. The 
government must have the right, if it defend individual rights, to 
summon every man to render service according to ability — if not in 
the army or navy, then on the farm, in the mine, the mill, or factory, 
on railroads or canals. And government not only has this right, but 
must exercise it, if war is waged to successful issue. The experience of 
Great Britain proves this. The Civil War proved it. Better face this 
fact now than later. 

In a democracy there can be no argument against compulsory mili- 
tary service or the selective draft, because authority comes from the 
people and powder is resident in them. The volunteer may do his duty, 
but the man who refuses, should volunteers be called, practically 
impeaches his own citizenship. Therefore, in the exercise of their 
power and authority through their government, the people direct 
what each shall do toward national defense, and the quality of 
service rendered measures citizenship. Effective service means 
effective warfare, for the common cause which in this world-war is the 
triumph of democracy. 

This is what democracy means to you and me, to us all — the best 
service for human rights of which we are capable. It is the meaning 
of the " New Freedom " of which Woodrow Wilson is so strenuous 
an apostle, and of " Ideal Democracy " of which he is so ardent a 
champion. It catches the spirit of this Twentieth Century watch- 
word, " He serves best who serves others," because it demands that 
God be first, the people second, and rulers third, permitting no 
precedence, other than that which comes from service well per- 
formed *•► «•» 

And nowhere else in the world should this spirit, this ideal obtain in 
greater measure than in these United States, the greatest, most pro- 
gressive democracy on earth. In closing an address, the Secretary of 
the Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Organization for Defense, said: 

15 



" With the Stars and Stripes Commodore Perry unlocked the gate 
that disclosed the emerald isles of the Pacific and pointed a hermit 
nation to civilization. With that same flag Admiral Dewey broke the 
shackles of the Filipinos, and General Shafter freed the Cubans. With 
that same flag the American people will now banish from all Europe 
military autocracy, and make its ' subjects ' free people like our- 
selves." That, too, was Lincoln's luminous hour; that was his vision, 
that his self-appreciation, his prayer. The trade in human lives was 
exhibited in all its awful iniquity that day. Husbands were being torn 
from wives, and mothers from children; even the Christian character 
of some slaves was emphasized by the stone-hearted auctioneer as an 
adequate reason for increased prices. The boiling blood of the young 
countryman, rail-splitter, and river-boatman lifted to his quivering 
lip the defiant slogan, " By the Eternal, if I ever get a chance to hit 
that thing, I will hit it hard." 

We were the only nation on earth who first tried to educate all the 
people; the first three words of the Constitution are, " WE, THE, 
PEOPLE." That means the slums of Chicago and New York, the 
negroes of the South — ^people speaking every language in the world, 
believing in every religion, and upholding every idea and form of 
government known to man. 

NOT a few, as I said before, but the majority of our people, must 
be educated. Not a few, but the majority, must be honest. 
Not a few, but the majority, must be law-abiding. Not a few, 
but the majority of the people, must be devoted to the public good, 
and ready to sacrifice therefore when necessary. It is this people who 
in time of national crisis, pledge themselves to support the military, 
financial and economic policies of our country. We do this first, be- 
cause the United States stands for democracy; for the right of the 
people to a voice in their government. Under this government we 
have received a good education; we have been protected in our life 
and property, and we have had an opportunity to enter any activity 
in life for which we were fitted. We make this pledge, secondly, be- 
cause we believe democracy, not only in the United States, but also 
throughout the world, is threatened by the ambitions of the German 
Kaiser and his advisers. He has established a military system whose 
avowed purpose is conquest; he has waged war by barbarous and in- 
human methods, the principal sufferers of which have been helpless 
men and women and children. He has encouraged a course of instruc- 
16 



tion by which the youth of his nation have been educated to believe 
in force and conquest; he has repudiated treaties; he has violated all 
the principles of humanity and international law in his treatment of 
the conquered Belgians; he has conspired against our countrv while at 
peace with us; he has sought to embroil us in war with other countries- 
he has based his policy toward other nations upon falsehood and deceit' 
For these reasons we accept the judgment of the President that no 
man and no nation can depend upon the word or treatv of the present 
German government. For these reasons we pledge ourselves and our 
property to the cause of our country, and we will accept whatever 
service we are able and fitted to undertake. 

And so be it in the great conquest, that is upon us as a nation, that 
in the language of true patriotism—" Yes, I 'm bleeding and dying 
but ' Old Glory ' never touched the ground,"— this victory will mark 
a new America, and, please God, will give further inspiration to all 
peoples, to individual and national righteousness to the end that 
democracy triumph, and autocracy perish from the face of the earth, 
leaving a better world for all mankind to live in. 
AH honor to him who in his country's need is ready to rise and sacri- 
fice himself in her defense, and who is willing to die in order to per- 
petuate the principles in which he believes. The most prominent 
feature of the American people is the desire to give to every one the 
privilege of upholding the principles in which they believe, and this 
feature of our Americanism will be put to the test when this great war 
shall have ceased: and may we be able to stand the test, and come out 
with honor to ourselves and our country. 

There are professed lovers of the flag who are actual traitors to it. 
Love for the flag demands interest in the people that live under it. 
Men greedy of personal gain who disregard the rights and profit by 
the misfortunes of others are traitors of the meanest type. No flag can 
win and maintain the highest respect when its citizens prey upon°each 
other. The presence of the vulture suggests the carrion. Wild nature 
lives by the destruction of nature around it. Civilized people live most 
when they help the weak grow strong— by eliminating what leads to 
decay s«. s*. 

But here and there the conscienceless human vulture pounces upon 
the unfortunate in common danger and sinks his talons of greed into 
the little they have, thereby dishonoring the flag and marring the 
image in which he is created. Such men, however lustily they may 
cheer Old Glory, are traitors to the Stars and Stripes. Honest returns 

17 



for investment and effort should be accorded every man. More than 
this is treason to national progress. Such conduct lowers the flag. 
The Armageddon of Autocracy and Democracy is here. Dear as have 
been the traditions of the Fatherland, we must resent the German 
disregard for others and her policy of gain at any cost. The New World 
was born of Freedom and has learned to love her heritage. A mailed 
hand seeks to crush all the principle we hold dear. The flag of freedom 
is held in derision, her people are counted negligible. 
Sons of Freedom, you and the flag must lift the gauntlet of oppression 
and hurl it and all it stands for beyond possibility of recovery. Not 
antagonism of people but of principle is to be the aim of your effort. 
In the way you can help most it is your duty to honor the flag by 
making its principles the redeeming force of people now oppressed, 
and guaranteeing to all the world freedom, equity and peace. 
When Garibaldi was thrown into prison, he said: " Let fifty Gari- 
baldis be thrown into prison — but let Rome be free! " He counted 
himself as of no consequence, but his cause as everything. Such a 
spirit set Italy on fire. When he went before a crowd of young men, to 
appeal for recruits, they demanded what he had to offer as induce- 
ments. The old man replied, " Poverty and hardships and battles 
and wounds and victory." They caught his enthusiasm, threw their 
hats into the air, and enlisted on the spot. 

As Israel Putnam left the plow in the furrow and mounted a field- 
horse, when the bugle sounded for the rallying at Cambridge; as the 
minute-men of Middlesex left workshop and farm at Paul Revere's 
call to Lexington; as the youth of our land are responding to the call 
for volunteers in time of war — so our patriotism should have men 
work, and watch, with their finger on the latch under the inspiration 
of a going which, be it near or far off, is a going of a sorrow or of joy 
forever to our freedom ! 

" Hear the tread of pioneers, of nations yet to be; 
The first low wash of waves, where soon shall roll a human sea. 
The rudiments of empire here are plastic yet, and warm; 
The chaos of a mighty world is rounding into form." 

So nigh is grandeur to our dust, so near is God to man, 

When duty whispers low, Thou must, the youth replies, I can." 



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LiBRftRY OF 



CONGRESS 




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